Here are frequently asked questions and answers about the 2027 Post-Retirement Medical Plan, which will include medical coverage through the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO Plan (a passive PPO plan), with Part D prescription drug coverage through Express Scripts.
The Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan and the Humana Group Medicare Prescription Drug Plan will no longer be offered as of Jan. 1, 2027.
How does the new coverage compare to the coverage through the Humana plans?
Coverage and features are substantially equivalent to what retirees have today through Humana.
Your out-of-pocket costs when filling prescriptions at a retail pharmacy will be the same or less. These include:
- same $5 copay for up to a 31-day supply of generic medications
- coinsurance for formulary brand drugs reduced from 30% to 25% for up to a 31-day supply
- a lower out-of-pocket maximum on the prescription drug plan (There will be a lower cap on the amount you can be required to pay out-of-pocket for covered prescription drugs in a calendar year.)
Will I have to switch my doctors?
Approximately 94% of Humana plan network providers are also UnitedHealthcare network providers.
What happens if my provider does not accept Medicare Advantage plans or participates in Medicare but does not accept UnitedHealthcare?
The UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan does not require a provider to have a contract with UnitedHealthcare. Under this plan, the provider will be paid the same as Medicare would pay. Many providers accept this type of plan once they understand they do not need a contract and they will be paid the same as Medicare will pay. UnitedHealthcare will be happy to reach out to your provider to discuss how the plan works and how they will be paid.
Are additional benefits included with the UnitedHealthcare plan beyond medical coverage?
The UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO Plan includes dental, vision, and hearing benefits, as well as Renew Active, a Medicare fitness program offering a gym membership, access to online classes, and activities outside of the gym — all at no additional cost.
Can I enroll in the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan and not enroll in prescription drug coverage?
Enrollment in the Post-Retirement Medical Plan is for both the UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts plans. Enrollment in one without the other is not permitted.
When will I get my new ID cards?
Your UnitedHealthcare medical ID card and Express Scripts prescription drug ID card should arrive before Jan. 1, 2027. Starting Jan. 1, use your UnitedHealthcare ID card when visiting the doctor or other healthcare providers and use your Express Scripts ID card when filling prescriptions. You should securely discard your Humana ID cards after Dec. 31, 2026.
How do I opt out of the 2027 Post-Retirement Medical Plan?
We understand that the new plans may not be the right option for everyone. You will receive instructions about how to opt out in early fall. During the Medicare Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2026), you’ll have the opportunity to choose other coverage for 2027 and pay the full cost.
When will more information about the new coverage be available?
Plan guides and benefits overviews will be available from UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts in September. If you’re currently enrolled in the Humana plans, you’ll receive an enrollment package in the mail in early October. The package will include detailed information about the benefits provided by the UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare PPO Plan and Express Scripts Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, along with instructions for opting out of this coverage if you choose.
I am planning to retire in 2026. Can I still enroll in the Humana plan?
Yes, you may enroll in the plan and remain enrolled through 2026. Your coverage will transition to UnitedHealthcare and Express Scripts for 2027, unless you opt out. You can choose coverage for 2027 during the Medicare open enrollment period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2026).